The secret agent consolidates brazilian cinema at the golden globes
o you also feel when a victory stops belonging to just one film and becomes a source of pride for an entire country?
That was exactly the sentiment surrounding The Secret Agent’s win for Best Motion Picture in a Non-English Language at the 2026 Golden Globes, confirming the strength of a Brazilian film that speaks to the world without losing its identity. Commenting on the achievement, Recife-born director Kleber Mendonça Filho highlighted the value of collective work and the importance of telling Brazilian stories with memory, courage and truth.
He also encouraged emerging filmmakers to turn ideas into projects and to engage deeply with their country’s history, reminding audiences that when Brazil speaks honestly about itself, the world listens. The recognition was further amplified by Wagner Moura, who won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, marking an unprecedented achievement for a Brazilian actor in this category. In his remarks, Moura emphasized that The Secret Agent addresses memory and loss, engaging with the lasting marks left by the dictatorship
The film’s trajectory of recognition began with its first major international acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Shortly after, actress Tânia Maria received the award for Best Supporting Actress from the Santiago Critics Association in Chile, expanding Brazil’s presence on the international awards circuit.
Following the Golden Globes, the film remained in the spotlight with its nomination for the 2026 Academy Awards, reinforcing the consistency of its journey an the growing visibility of the work among Academy voters.
The 2026 Golden Globes delivered a powerful message.
When Brazilian cinema embraces its voice and honours its history, it transcends borders. The Secret Agent is the result of the authorial vision of Kleber Mendonça Filho, whose career is widely recognized and respected in Brazil and internationally, along with the fundamental
role of producer Emilie Lesclaux in shaping the film as a landmark of Brazilian cinema. Shot in Pernambuco, with Recife at the centre of its visual narrative, the film honours Brazil and confirms that great stories, When told with truth, resonate across generations.